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[color=#04ed42][b]#04ed42[/b][/color] [color=2e2c2c]....[/color]|[color=2e2c2c].....[/color] [url=https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/0197fd60-0af8-76eb-967d-6388e3268845.webp][color=9b9b9b][b]outfit[/b][/color][/url] [color=2e2c2c].....[/color]|[color=2e2c2c].....[/color] [color=9b9b9b][b]Lonely Road --> Camp Gates --> Party[/b][/color]
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[color=04ed42]”Just my luck, huh?”[/color] 

The sound of a hissing radiator cut through the quiet air of the early evening. This kind of biting cold was the worst kind of weather to get stuck in on New Years. Nathaniel Banes sighed as he slammed the door of the cab shut, slowly pacing around towards the trunk. His hand reflexively slipped into his jacket pocket, fingers coiling around a familiar plastic-wrapped box. It was a lot colder here than in Nevada, that much was clear. He was hoping to hold off for a little while longer, but he needed something to warm him up.

The motions were automatic. He removed the box of Newports from his jacket, slipping a fingernail under the lip of the plastic wrapping. His left hand pried the rest off, and he deposited the remnants back in his pocket. He flipped open the lid, removing one of the menthols. He spun it around, returned it back into the box upside-down, and shook his head. He removed a separate cigarette and slipped it between his lips. He gave a look towards the driver, who was huddled in the driver’s seat. He doubled back towards the door, which the driver opened a crack. [color=04ed42]”Bad luck, man. Bad luck.”[/color] Nate produced a neatly folded stack of cash from his pocket, quickly shoving it in the driver’s hands. [color=04ed42]”Keep the change.”[/color] Nate retrieved his stuffed duffel bag from the trunk, hoisting the strap over his shoulders. He looked down at the old watch on his wrist, clicking his tongue as he saw the time.

It was going to be a long night.[hr]
There was always something comforting about the stars to Nathaniel. As sunset had begun to turn to night, he was always reminded of the lonely nights he spent walking the Strip. The stars were barely visible at times, but they always somehow shined a little brighter to him than the glowing neon and LED screens craving his attention. There were more stars out here, peeking through the trees. He had always had a knack for navigating the streets and making it where he needed to be.

The thing is, he usually didn’t have a destination in mind.

Perhaps part of him always knew he’d end up where he should be. It had to be a byproduct of always placing his fate in the hands of luck. Even now, lost and lonely, he felt an odd comfort. Though, if he was honest, it was probably the menthol working through his system. The smoke and condensation from his warm breath intermingled in the night air, swirling up like small signals. He trudged along, each step just as confident as the one before it.

After all, he was finally stepping in line, just like She wanted.[hr]
He wasn’t sure what to expect. Part of him expected to see some kind of guard shack with a dozing middle-aged man who would certainly be annoyed with his late arrival. Or perhaps a chorus of ethereal trumpets to announce his arrival, or maybe some other equally ridiculously significant welcome. The iron gate that did stand before him felt a little on theme, but the thumbprint next to it and concrete walls all around certainly didn’t. He squinted at the box, wondering if this was some sort of hypothermic fever hallucination. But as his frigid thumb slid over the scanner to confirm it was real, more questions than answers coursed through his mind. But he didn’t have anyone to ask quite yet. The sign of recent tracks indicated he wasn’t going to be the only new face around. Nate raised an eyebrow at the sharp click that startled the half-finished cigarette from his lips. He looked apathetically as it smoldered and died in the snow. He shrugged as the gate slowly swung open, and Nate entered into the camp.

He didn’t take further note of the tracks leading in, more taken aback by the slight change in atmosphere. It took his body a few moments to register the temperature difference, which was a warm surprise. He was too exhausted, too pained, and far too numb to parse through what this meant. He wasn’t even really sure if he wanted to know. Odds were, this wasn’t the kind of place he’d be sticking around. He just needed to play along until he got his groove back. Then he could re-evaluate his situation, and see if he could find a way back to Vegas if he was lucky… or perhaps he’d travel around. There were casinos everywhere these days, he could just pick a direction and get his fill.

But for now, he heard the faint sound of music and revelry calling.

Nathaniel plodded his way through along the road, a relief washing over him at the sounds of other people. Despite the aches in his soles, his pace quickened as he plodded up along the road, taking in the sights and sounds. His hand subconsciously slipped back into his jacket pocket, producing the box of cigarettes. He eyed the contents, noticing that about a third of the box was empty. He shrugged, stuffing it back into his pocket on his approach. There were quite a few people milling about, in various states of dress. He somehow felt over and under-dressed for the occasion, but making an impression felt like an activity for the next day. For now, Nate had more important things on his plate.

Nathaniel, duffel bag still slung over his shoulder, trudged through the outskirts of the party, he clocked a group of folks near the bar and some folks intermingling at tables, with a few others scattered in-between. But nothing caught his eye more than a half-picked table of snacks. He imagined this wouldn’t exactly qualify as a proper meal, but he would take whatever he could to settle his stomach. He grabbed a small plate, loaded it up with a couple skewers and a cookie, and stepped a few yards to the side. He did his best to keep from shovelling the food down his gullet, but looked far from dignified as he stuffed down some delicious food. If he was lucky, no one would notice until he was more decent... but he wasn't exactly a fan of those odds.

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[hr]Location: Snack Table (adjacent)
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Mentions: Party-goers